Students from Co-op Academy Grange in Bradford and Ruth Gorse Academy in Leeds had a memorable opportunity to showcase their creative writing on Leeds’ Chapel FM radio station in February. The young writers took to the airwaves to share pieces they had developed through workshops led by their Writers-in-Residence, Testament and Andy Craven-Griffiths. It was a thoroughly rewarding experience, if nerve-wracking, for everyone involved!
For Co-op Grange and School Librarian, Dianne Blashill, the visit was a welcome return to the familiar surroundings of Chapel FM and the Writing on Air Festival. The Ruth Gorse Academy students, accompanied by Assistant Head Teacher Eleanor O’Brien, meanwhile, were stepping into the studio for the very first time. Chapel FM host Peter Spafford welcomed everyone and chatted with them about their journey through the Young Writers Programme before they stepped up to the microphone and brought their work to life.
The morning rounded off with lunch in the centre’s café, followed by a tour of the building’s various performance spaces.
You can listen to recordings of the shows on the Chapel FM website. Part 1 features Co-op Academy Grange and Part 2 features The Ruth Gorse Academy.
Chapel FM itself is a community arts hub nestled in east Leeds, running a wide range of creative projects for local people. Its radio studios have been on air continuously since 2003.
